Aquilegia Magpie - 75 seeds

WAS £1.99 NOW 99p

The striking black bonnets of Aquilegia 'Magpie' make a superb contrast with the white corolla. The exquisite blooms of this classic cottage garden perennial are carried on wiry stems, set above pretty ferny foliage. This hardy Columbine is perfect for en masse in borders and shady woodland edges, and makes an attractive cut flower for a vase indoors.

Height: 75cm (30"). Spread: 30cm (12").

Sow aquilegia seeds from February to June or September to October at 15-20C (59-68F), on the surface of a good quality seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite. Keep the soil damp but not wet and do not exclude light. Place in a propagator or seal the seed tray inside a polythene bag until after germination, which usually takes 1-3 months. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. When aquilegia plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Overwinter October sowings in a coldframe and plant out the following spring. Grow aquilegias in a sun or part shade in fertile, moist, well drained soil at a distance of 30cm (12") apart.